Seeds of change - Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry
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seeds of change
Spring 2017 Volume XXIV, Issue 1
lutheran metropolitan ministry
Culinary Students
Starstruck by
StarChefs
A unique and promising opportunity for LMM’s culinary
program has presented students with an opportunity to learn
from some of the best chefs in the restaurant business!
StarChefs Gala
StarChefs, an industry-based culinary magazine and website
company in Brooklyn, NY, hosts several competitive chef events
each year around the country. This year, Cleveland was the
center of the action for the StarChefs Rust Belt Rising Stars
Awards Gala, as culinary masters from around our region earned
top honors. StarChefs extended an invitation to LMM to take
part in the two-day celebration, as well as receive part of the
proceeds from the gala.
The first day of the event was an educational experience for LMM’s
culinary students. LMM’s current classes went to the Vitamix World
Headquarters in Olmsted Falls to hear from a panel of award- A chef prepares small plates
winning chefs and mixologists from the tri-state area. Students for hundreds of guests.
were able to ask questions and mingle with the restauranteurs they LMM student helps chefs at
admire. “The food service industry is demanding, and we hope the Rust Belt Rising Stars event.
culinary students in attendance found the inside look into the ups
and downs each panelist experienced on their path to success both
practical and inspiring,” said Ali Lapinski of Vitamix. Students were difference by hiring LMM graduates into the Cleveland restaurant
then invited to assist the same chefs at the gala the following day, scene,” challenged Genszler, who was met with applause.
allowing them to get a flavor for the teamwork and skill it takes to
put out a great dish for people to enjoy. Excited student participants did an exemplary job of networking
at Vitamix and volunteering at the StarChefs gala. Several
The gala was similar to LMM’s own annual savor event. Dozens of culinary students made lasting impressions and were invited
culinary stations were set up for guests to enjoy at The Westin. into the kitchens of various local restaurants in the weeks that
LMM was featured as the non-profit of choice during the awards followed the event. The students took initiative to go beyond
presentation. President and CEO, Andrew Genszler, offered thanks their education at LMM, and in return, gained valuable on-site
and introduced attendees to LMM’s role in culinary education training and connections they’ll be able to use in their careers
for people who face barriers to employment. He explained upon graduation. “We’re thrilled that StarChefs’ partnership with
how the agency offers cutting-edge job training solutions that Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry helped connect students,” said
include overlooked and underutilized people in the workforce. “I Features Editor, Caroline Hatchett. “We know they’ll continue to
encourage you, the chefs of our booming culinary city, to make a build their skills working with some of Cleveland’s best chefs.”
Meet LMM’s New Board Chair
LMM’s 48th year as an agency is in full swing, and we began the year by welcoming a new Chair to the
Board of Directors. Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry is proud to introduce Marcella J. Brown. Brown is
entering her 10th year as an LMM board member, and is excited to take on the role of Chair.
Marcella is the Executive Director of the A. What excites me is that we took a risk on a new type of process.
Black Professionals Association Charitable We took on this agile canvass with the intention of knowing we
Foundation. She is also a strategic planning are a complex organization, maybe we should try something
and non-profit management consultant. that’s a more organic process. The staff is more involved in the
decision making on the front end and that’s very important.
Let’s get to know Marcella!
Q. Help us get to know you. What are three interesting facts about
Q. What draws you to Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s mission? you?
A. I know there are people in our community who have significant A. First, I love to bake. I love when my kids are really excited and
challenges to living their best life and I think the work that LMM my two girls, they’re in the kitchen on their little step stools
does helps people to overcome those challenges. trying to reach the counter to help. My son loves the science of
it. It’s an opportunity for me to teach the kids and also get family
Q. What in your professional life has led you to serve on the Board
time. Next, I love to travel. My first trip out of the country was
of Directors for this agency?
to South Africa at 19-years-old when I was studying abroad with
A. Many years ago, I was working at The City Club of Cleveland and
Ohio State. For me, traveling is seeing the human experience in
had just gotten my master’s degree. I definitely was looking to get
different places. It has helped me be culturally competent and
more involved in some things in the community. I didn’t know that
emotionally intelligent. Third, I’m quite the HGTV junkie. I live
so many programs I’d already heard about separately were all a
in Cleveland Heights and recently purchased a very old home
part of one organization, so that really sparked my interest.
so I’ve gotten a lot more into home design and renovations. I’m
Q. H ow do you personally connect with the people LMM walks even taking some interior design classes at Tri-C!
beside in their time of need?
Q. You’ve been involved with LMM for a decade. What stands out
A. Honestly, I don’t think there are any programs that LMM has
to you as you look back?
that do not in some way impact someone I know personally.
A. Being in the new building. This building represents so many
It’s the challenges we face, including adult guardianship, which
things that are core to who we are. It’s open. You can look into
is something that has just recently become an issue for me. My
people’s offices. There’s a sense of transparency, peace, right
mother is disabled and so I’ve now become a guardian for her.
relationships, and it reinforces our commitment to collaboration
Q. H ow do you describe LMM to those just learning about the non- with all of the programs in one place.
profit work we do?
Q. What’s your number one goal as Board Chair?
A. I start by talking about the programs, like a bottom-up approach,
A. There is a significant opportunity for us to describe the new set
and then I’ll tell them it’s all part of one organization. It’s a
of challenges that people have to true independence. The new
philosophy of how LMM does things. We always start with
diversity is being affected by things you can’t go back and fix. If we
people and stories.
can increase employability to people with challenges and help them
Q. What’s the most rewarding part of being on LMM’s Board of be independent, some of those other challenges will fall away.
Directors?
A. Just knowing I am a part of an organization and a steward
over something that’s impactful, efficient and very caring and LMM SURPASSES FUNDING GOAL
endearing to the people is really the most rewarding part for me. With great appreciation we acknowledge the individuals,
organizations, corporations and foundations who helped make
Q. H ow does the board work to ensure LMM’s programs evolve the 2016 LMM Fund the most successful effort in recent history.
along with community needs? Annual Giving totaled $754,710 – surpassing the $750,000 goal
A. We are constantly challenging ourselves. I feel like this board is – and Foundation Giving increased 30% to end the year with
very good about making sure we have the right people in place, $930,202 awarded in 2016! This generous support, combined with
such as recently appointing a COO. Our needs are changing so the dedication of nearly 4,000 volunteers, allowed us to continue
rapidly. They’re a very smart group of people and they know when to serve the oppressed, forgotten, and hurting in our community.
to pause and make sure we’re making the most of our time, our
money, our talent, and make sure we’re serving real needs. LMM welcomed seven individuals who made a planned gift in
2016 and are now included in the LMM Legacy Society. To learn
Q. About eight months ago, LMM staff and board members more or to discuss how you can become a member, contact
launched a strategic planning process for the agency. What Marge Zellmer at mzellmer@lutheranmetro.org or 216.658.7204.
excites you about the strategic process?
2
savor the Flavor of Local Restaurant Dishes
savor
LMM’s savor 2017 at the Silver Grille promises to be a culinary event to remember! With
our new location inside the Higbee Building and an array of food stations from some
lutheran metropolitan ministry’s
of Cleveland’s best restaurants, you won’t want to miss our fourth annual signature
fundraiser on April 27th! In addition to sharing great food and entertainment with friends,
you will learn about the impact the agency has on the community. Also, make sure to
glance up at the Cleveland skyline! The Terminal Tower will honor LMM on the evening of
the event by lighting up blue and green, reflecting the agency’s colors.
Event and raffle tickets are on sale now! Your chances to win are savor the experience: Private dinner & cooking experience at LMM
better than ever because only 300 raffle tickets will be sold! Here
This four-course meal for 8 people features wine pairings and
are this year’s exceptional raffle packages:
a hands-on culinary session from LMM’s Culinary Instructor.
savor the ballpark: Tickets, airfare & lodging for two in Cincinnati Package includes a basket of assorted Cleveland products as well
for the Indians vs Reds game as a 22-week subscription of locally sourced food, courtesy of
Fresh Fork Market.
Hit the road to cheer our defending American League Champions
to victory as the Cleveland Indians take on the Cincinnati Reds! savor the city: A collection of Cleveland attractions & food
Package for 2 includes roundtrip flight from Cleveland to Cincinnati,
From restaurants to museums, from theater to sports, this package
dugout box tickets at The Great American Ball Park, and hotel
boasts a wealth of adventures reflecting the best Cleveland has to
accommodations in Cincinnati for two nights.
offer, including an overnight stay at The Ritz-Carlton.
• T HIS IS A DATE SPECIFIC PRIZE. Flight departs (5/22/17) & returns
To purchase tickets, go to www.lutheranmetro.org. You can also
(5/24/17) to Burke Lakefront Airport courtesy of Ultimate Air
contact Vanessa O’Sullivan, Database Coordinator, for savor
Shuttle, ballgame scheduled to begin at 7:10 p.m. on Tuesday,
tickets at vosullivan@lutheranmetro.org or Paige Jakuszewski,
May 23, 2017.
Communications Manager, for raffle tickets at pjakuszewski@
lutheranmetro.org. The drawing will be held at the event and the
winner need not be present.
Dominion Partnership Spans Decades
LMM’s Work Experience Program (WEP) is getting a boost, thanks to Dominion. The
Dominion Foundation, which supports various non-profit causes, has donated $7,500 to
the WEP. The successful program helps 200 men with job training through experience.
Benjamin Kroeck, Senior Philanthropy Coordinator for the “I think the relationship has
Dominion Foundation, says the company sees the importance of been a natural one and it’s
supporting the agency. “Dominion is proud to partner with LMM great the relationship has
on the Men’s Shelter Work Experience Program. The $7,500 grant continued.”
presented to LMM was part of our $1 million Critical Community LMM’s President & CEO, Andrew
Needs grants initiative, across 13 states, shared amongst 140 In addition to his duties at Genszler, gratefully accepts a
Dominion, Varley became the check from Ben Kroeck of the
organizations. LMM’s commitment to providing true work Dominion Foundation.
experiences as a pathway out of homelessness is truly inspiring.” Chairman of the Cuyahoga
County Ombudsman
The Work Experience Program grant is just one of the gifts Program, furthering his connection to vulnerable community
Dominion has awarded to LMM over the years. More than three members seeking assistance. He also deepened his personal
decades ago, a man with a strong business sense and even connection with LMM as he served on the board for the Men’s
stronger sense of community, began the relationship. Shelter at 2100 Lakeside. Varley fondly remembers forming a bond
with LMM’s Founding Executive Director, Reverend Richard Sering,
Bob Varley started working at Dominion in 1977 and remembers before his passing. “I’m fortunate to have had conversations
first connecting with LMM in 1982. Now retired, Varley once with Dick Sering. Those are the types of talks that stay with you,”
helped form a consumer round table to talk with people about reflected Varley. “I have a magnet on the door to my garage and I
their concerns over the rising price of natural gas. “We got a good see it as I leave the house every day. It’s a quote from Dick Sering:
community dialogue going,” he recalls. “I became sensitized to the ‘In the Kingdom of God, nobodies are somebodies and somebodies
needs of the community and the importance of LMM’s services.” are called upon to become nobodies in order to be somebodies in
So began an ongoing partnership between LMM and Dominion. the Kingdom of God.’ LMM hasn’t wavered from that.”
3
A Message from the Founder’s Son
Soon after Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s founding in 1969, Charles See quickly became a trusted and integral part
of the agency. First as a child, and eventually as a valued staff partner, Michael Sering, son of LMM’s founding executive
director, has had the privilege of working with Mr. See for 24 years.
My father, Dick, Charles See, George Hrbek, and cracking the code on recidivism reduction, ever
I first started working as a team on re-entry committed, whether it be over a backyard game
issues back in 1971. Now granted, I was a fairly of basketball, around a conference table, or while
young team member, but I quickly learned there enjoying a well-deserved milk shake.
were some good people involved in the criminal
justice system, and we should help them. Help Charles, on behalf of your community of
them, Charles, you certainly have. advocates, the Sering family, and the 2,208,000
people currently incarcerated, we thank you for
Charles has made a lasting impact on the re-entry your steadfast dedication, successful career, and
community. He has hosted national dignitaries, indomitable spirit in the pursuit of justice for all.
re-defined for us all what “rehabilitation” is, and Happy retirement, friend.
found potential in everyone. Charles has been
an unwavering advocate for social justice and
in handling the toughest of situations, would
thoughtfully ask, “How would we treat this Michael Sering
person if we truly loved him?” I had the good Vice President, Housing & Shelter A young Michael Sering wearing
fortune to grow up with my father and Charles Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry Charles See’s straw hat in 1971.
4
Treasured Staff Member
Retires After 44 Years
An integral presence for 44 of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s 48
years, Charles R. See is saying farewell. He enters retirement with a
thankful heart and a fulfillment that only comes after a lifetime of
advocating for others. Nationally known for his work in re-entry, the
impact of his passion resonates with LMM and the citizens of Cleveland
whose lives have been changed.
See began his service with LMM in 1973, four years after its founding by the
late Rev. Richard Sering. Four decades later, his passion for re-entry and deep
belief in equality for people who are re-entering society from the criminal
justice system has changed the views of many and sparked compassion and
advocacy from the community.
“Charles is a respected voice of re-entry and an esteemed colleague at
LMM,” said Andrew D. Genszler, President & CEO. “We are grateful for
Charles’ service and leadership, and will continue the work of re-entry,
knowing he blazed the trail for innovation and change.”
See’s accomplishments have added up to an astounding list of successes.
He’s known for his exemplary role in providing community-based corrections
programs. In 1985, he was awarded the Cleveland Bar Association’s
prestigious Liberty Bell Award. Under See’s leadership, LMM’s Community
Re-Entry program has won numerous awards, including the National Peace
and Justice Foundation’s gold medal in 1986.
In 1996, See was selected by the Citizen’s League as one of the 100 “When one’s life’s work
outstanding citizens for his contributions to the government and civic life of
Greater Cleveland over the last century. He was appointed by Ohio’s former is tied so closely to
Governor, the late George Voinovich, to serve on Ohio’s Select Committee
on Prisons following the historic Lucasville prison riot. See was Chairman
of the Prison Committee of the National Association for the Advancement
one’s career, retirement
of Colored People, and a member of the Ohio State Sentencing Committee,
which reworked Ohio’s sentencing procedures. Then-Mayor of Cleveland, simply becomes a
Michael White, appointed him to sit on the city’s Black-on-Black Crime
Task Force, leading to the revamping of many Cleveland Police Department transition to another
policies and procedures. See co-authored a book, has appeared on numerous
national and international television and radio programs, and is a Cultural
Mitigation Expert for capital cases involving African Americans.
venue where their
As he looks back on his career, See credits the people who have surrounded service can continue; so
him. “I have been extremely blessed with staff partners who have been
exemplary role models for me, their endless efforts to seek justice for, and
with, those who are hurting, forgotten and oppressed has inspired me and
it shall be with me.”
left an indelible impression upon my mind and heart; I’m indebted to each of — Charles R. See,
them for their faithful witness.” Executive Director, Community Re-Entry
& Vice President, Re-Entry Services
An agency celebration of Mr. See and his work in the community is being
planned for early Fall 2017. If you would like to send a congratulatory message
to Mr. See, please do so by emailing him at CharlesSee907@gmail.com.
5
Non−Profit Org.
lutheran metropolitan ministry U.S. Postage
seeds of change PAID
4515 superior avenue Cleveland, OH
cleveland, ohio 44103 Permit No. 3849
Our Mission:
To promote shalom (peace, well-being) and
justice (right relationships) through a Christian
ministry of service and advocacy with those
who are oppressed, forgotten and hurting.
Link with LMM
@LMMCleveland
@LMMCleveland (NEW!)
Facebook.com
Youtube.com
E-newsletter sign-up at
www.lutheranmetro.org
Latest news at
www.lutheranmetro.org
savor
Contacting LMM
LMM Main Offices, 216.696.2715 lutheran metropolitan ministry’s
• Development & Communications, 216.696.1724
• Office of Advocacy, 216.658.7210
Behavioral Health Services
• Lutheran Family Services, 216.281.2500
4•27•17
Community Re-Entry, 216.696.2717
• Care Teams, 216.696.2717
• Comprehensive Case Management Services, [T HE DAT E] Friday, October 20th
216.696.2717
• Friend-to-Friend, 216.861.1838 4-7pm
• Women’s Re-Entry Network, 216.696.7535 Happy Hour & Run packet pick-up
• Young African American Reclamation Project, Jr., Goldhorn Brewery: 1361 East 55th
216.623.0138 Street Cleveland, OH 44103
Guardianship Programs, 216.696.1132
• Adult Guardianship Services, 216.696.1132 NEW LOCATION! Saturday, October 21st
• Volunteer Guardianship Program of Lorain County,
Silver Grille at the 9am
440.934.3613 5K run and 1 mile walk
Higbee Building! LMM’s Richard Sering Center
Housing & Shelter
• Men’s Shelter at 2100 Lakeside, 216.566.0047 Food stations, entertainment, Post-run activities
raffles, and more! featuring local vendors
Social Enterprise, 216.658.4608
Visit lutheranmetro.org for Visit lutheranmetro.org
Youth Services, 216.696.0370 event and raffle tickets! for more information.
• After School Prevention Resources, 216.651.6841
• Next Step — shelter care, 216.941.0062
• Next Step — semi-independent living, 216.221.8920
To add, delete or change your address, contact
216.696.1882 or mail@lutheranmetro.org.
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